first, learn about chris eaton and the scholarhip, then
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP HERE
THE ScholarshipS
Scroll down for information about
the scholarships and the application process
first place — $10,000
second place - $5,000
THIRD PLACE - $2,500
Click NEWS & EVENTS above to learn about previous winners
applications for the 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS must be completed and submitted online. the deadline for applying is march 31, 2026.
The Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of Chris Eaton, a passionate and successful head baseball coach at Sandia High School in Albuquerque, who died in November 2022. Award recipients will be those student-athletes who best exemplify their sport, academic achievements, leadership and teamwork, good sportsmanship, integrity, and contributions to their community, team and teammates. Before applying, applicants should examine the requirements below and learn about Chris Eaton and the Chris Eaton Foundation on this website.
The very first Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship of $10,000 was awarded in June 2024 to a Cibola High School senior student-athlete (click News & Events and scroll to June 2024 for info). In 2025, the CEF awarded four scholarships— $10,000, $5,000 and a tie for two awards at $2,500 each— for a total of $20,000. Click News & Events above for information about the 2025 winners.
The Scholarship is funded entirely by charitable donations. All donations are used to fund the Scholarship and to raise awareness of healthy living resources to help young people improve their mental and physical health.
THE CHRIS EATON FOUNDATION HAS TWO GOALS…
To raise awareness of healthy living resources to help mitigate behavioral and mental health issues that are encountered by many young people today, including elevating concern for and treatment of mental health issues to the same level as physical health issues and eliminating any stigma attached to mental health issues.
To provide scholarship money for newly graduated senior student-athletes to help them continue their education and development at college or a vocational school.
COACH CHRIS EATON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
award requirements + criteria
Applicants for the Scholarship must be graduating high school seniors who have participated in at least one sport at the varsity level for at least one season at an Albuquerque high school, who have a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better in high school, and who will further their education at a college or vocational school. Applications will be evaluated on the following four criteria, which student-athletes are asked to address in the application process:
Student ATHLETICS
Performance and accomplishments in the student’s sport(s), including statistical performance, awards and recognition, highlights and special moments, contributions to team success, personal development and improvement in the sport, and willingness to listen to coaches, and to learn and grow as an athlete and a teammate.
ACADEMIC Achievements
This category focuses primarily on the student’s performance in the classroom, including awards, achievements, grade point averages, trends toward improvement, as well as a curiosity about the world and desire to learn. The student’s academic goals and a plan to achieve those goals also will be considered.
LEADERSHIP + Teamwork
Student’s efforts and achievements both on and off the field with regard to setting an example for others, and motivating themselves and others to set goals and work hard toward those goals. Consideration will be given to specific examples of how the student assisted or motivated others to continually improve.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
This category focuses on activities and interests that are not in the student’s sport or in school. Activities here can include charitable and volunteer activities, fund-raising for good causes, helping those in need, and generally working toward improving one’s family, neighborhood, church, clubs, community or the world at large.
HOW IT WORKS
Interested student-athletes should first confirm that they:
will graduate in the spring of 2026 from a high school in Albuquerque
participated in at least one school-sponsored sport for at least one full season at the varsity level at an Albuquerque high school,
have a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher during high school, and
will attend a college or vocational school in the fall.
It is recommended that applicants read the materials on this website and develop an understanding of Chris Eaton and the criteria for the Scholarship award. Applicants should take their time to complete the written application form on this website and prepare a short video presentation.
The CEF Board of Directors will carefully review the applications, solicit comments from others, and announce the winner in May.
The dollar amounts of the 2026 Scholarships are $10,000 for the first place winner, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place.
Coach Chris Eaton Memorial Scholarship Winners
Click News and Events on the top menu, then scroll down for photos and more information about the scholarship winners.
2024 Ava Lulu estes, cibola high school
2025 makayla lovato, highland high school (1st)
benjamin morgan, albuquerque academy (2nd)
Christabel thiel-hadjilambrinos, La cueva high (T-3rd)
olivia murphy, sandia high school (T-3rd)
If you have questions, comments, or would like additional information, please use the box on the Contact page, or email the Chris Eaton Foundation at chriseatonfoundation@gmail.com and include your name and telephone number. A Foundation member will contact you.